Of all the opportunities multi-channel retailers exploit to improve their businesses, point-of-sale systems are typically the last to be considered. After all, most are nothing more than an adding machine and a cash drawer. It's one opportunity for improvement that can yield almost magical results while ignoring it can kill your business.
Times used to be simpler. Things were less complicated. Customer expectations were relatively low. There were only 3 broadcasting companies, each signed off the air by 10 o'clock, and information about products was controlled by advertisers. You simply "ate" what you were "fed".
My, haven't times changed! Now anyone, anywhere, can get information about anything! Thanks to the Internet and social media platforms, people have a voice and they aren't shy about using it. Which is why your point-of-sale system is as important as your catalog, call-center or web site. Customer expectations are very high and your point-of-sale must be a point-of-service.
In a recent survey by Human Technologies Global Inc., customers revealed that their experiences were unsatisfactory in most situations with most retailers. What does this mean? Customers expect a seamless, consistent, unified experience across channels. In order to achieve this, companies must empower all of their channels, including their point-of-sale systems, with the ability to deliver on this expectation.
Channels should:
- Share one view of the customer
- Have one set of guiding customer experience principles
- Allow easy escalation between channels
Join us at SuperZoo University Wednesday, September 14 from 11- 12 noon and Thursday, September 15 from 8- 9am where we will be conducting a session titled "Getting the Most out of Your Integrated Multi-channel POS System" or at booth # 2761.
Testimonials from MACH Pet and Animal Health Clients:
"MACH Software has provided us with a cross-channel ERP system that we use in our retail stores, call-center, purchasing, warehouse management, marketing and accounting. The MACH team has worked with us to make necessary enhancements for our unique business model." - Debbie Poland, RJ Matthews
"The use of MACH designed software for our handheld RF scanners saved us so much time we experienced significant growth, doubled the size of our warehouse and didn't need to hire more people. Using MACH as our store replenishment system, our 27 retail locations work in perfect harmony with our on-line and call center sales." - Chris Brenner, PetSolutions
"The folks at MACH helped us dramatically improve our workflow (ordering/pick/pack/ship) and now our customers and management are benefiting from more accurate shipping and inventory control. MACH Software provides us with a robust and efficient integrated multi-channel order management program." - Ruth Jeffers, Jeffers Pets